Prof. Schankerman Mark,The Methodology and Application of Productivity Measurement

Prof. Schankerman Mark

The Methodology and Application of Productivity Measurement

 

Short Description:

In this mini-course we will study the main econometric methodologies for, and selected empirical applications of, the measurement of productivity. Students will read journal articles that develop and apply these techniques, to supplement my lectures. Questions that will be covered in the course include:  Why does it matter?  What are the stylized facts of productivity growth and its sources? What are the classical and key modern techniques for measuring total factor productivity (TFP), and what are the advantages and limitations of these techniques?  Does market power affect the measurement of TFP?  Does TFP growth contribute to market power?  What factors determine TFP growth – does accumulation of human and physical capital play a role?  What about innovation and knowledge spillovers?

a reading list and lecture slides will be provided a few weeks before the course begins so that students can begin reading to prepare.